Investigating how nociceptin affects heart and kidney function in rats with heart failure

CNS sites involved in the cardiovascular and renal effects of nociceptin in rats with heart failure

NIH-funded research University of the Incarnate Word · NIH-10881923

This study is looking at how a brain chemical called nociceptin affects heart and kidney health in rats with heart failure, to help find better ways to manage these conditions in people.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of the Incarnate Word NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Antonio, United States)
Project IDNIH-10881923 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research explores the role of nociceptin, a peptide that interacts with specific receptors in the brain, in regulating heart and kidney functions. By studying conscious rats with heart failure, the researchers aim to understand how activating the ORL1 receptor can influence blood pressure, heart rate, and the excretion of water and sodium. The methodology involves observing the physiological changes in these animals to gather insights that could inform future treatments for heart failure. The findings may reveal new pathways for managing cardiovascular and renal health.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for potential benefit from this research would be individuals suffering from heart failure or related cardiovascular conditions.

Not a fit: Patients without heart failure or those who do not respond to nociceptin-related treatments may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for improving heart and kidney function in patients with heart failure.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific role of nociceptin in heart failure is not extensively studied, similar approaches targeting opioid receptors have shown promise in other cardiovascular research.

Where this research is happening

San Antonio, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.